A VA (Veterans Affairs) Advance Directive for Health Care, often called a VA Advance Directive, is a legal document. Veterans use it to outline healthcare preferences and appoint a healthcare agent or proxy if they can’t decide for themselves. This applies to veterans receiving healthcare from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Key Components of a VA Advance Directive for Health Care
- Appointment of a Healthcare Agent: First and foremost, veterans pick a trusted person as their healthcare proxy. This person makes decisions if the veteran can’t due to illness or injury.
- Statement of Healthcare Preferences: The document often details the veteran’s medical treatment preferences. This includes end-of-life care choices, life-sustaining treatments, and organ donation preferences.
- Instructions for Care: Secondly, veterans provide specific healthcare instructions. For example, whether they want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, or artificial nutrition and hydration in certain situations.
- Mental Health Treatment Preferences: Some Veteran Advance Directives may cover mental health treatment preferences, including psychiatric medications and therapy.
- Witness Signatures: Thirdly, to make it legally binding, the document usually needs witness signatures or notarization, following state or VA requirements.
- Revocation and Review: Veterans may include instructions for revoking or updating the advance directive if their preferences change over time.
- Notification of Healthcare Providers: It’s vital to inform VA healthcare providers and clinics about the VA Advance Directive. This ensures it’s included in the veteran’s medical records and followed as needed.
Purpose and Benefits of a VA Advance Directive
In conclusion, a VA Directive for Health Care aims to ensure veterans get medical treatment that aligns with their wishes. Even if they can’t communicate or decide later in life, it provides control over healthcare decisions. It also offers clarity for family and healthcare providers.
Veterans should seek guidance from VA medical facilities or legal professionals to create and complete their VA Advance Directive. Requirements and forms may vary by location and over time.
VA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE HEALTH CARE FORM
